- Caliber-Gauge:
- 308 Winchester/7.62x51 NATO
- Barrel Length:
- 16"
- Barrel Length Range:
- 16" to 16.99"
The NEMO Arms XO Steel .308 Winchester 16-inch precision tactical rifle is a purpose-built carbine that splits the difference between close-quarters maneuverability and long-range accuracy. At 34.25 inches overall length and just 8.2 pounds, it's compact enough for tight spaces yet rigid enough to deliver sub-MOA groups when paired with quality optics and ammunition. This is serious hardware for hunters, tactical shooters, and precision rifle enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on either mobility or performance.
Every component reflects NEMO's no-nonsense design philosophy. The 16-inch Bartlein barrel (1:8 twist, 416 stainless) is precisely machined in-house and pairs with a patented recoil-reduction bolt carrier—an industry-first feature that meaningfully softens felt recoil without sacrificing reliability. The dual-chamber compact muzzle brake is tuned to run either suppressed or unsuppressed, giving you flexibility on the job. The gas block allows quick switching between those two modes, and the mid-length gas system stays severe-duty stainless throughout.
The trigger is a Geissele Super Dynamic Enhanced (SD-E) two-stage unit (2.3 lbs first stage, 1.2 lbs second stage) that breaks clean and predictably. The receiver set is billet 7075-T6 aluminum with full ambidextrous controls, a 15-inch M-LOK rail, and NEMO's anti-tilt "Carrier Cradle" receiver extension. High-pressure bolt, tool-steel extractor, titanium takedown pins, and nickel-boron coatings throughout mean this rifle is built to run hard. Comes with a MAGPUL CTR stock, MIAD grip, and a 20-round P-MAG.
Whether you're hunting in tight timber, running drills at distance, or building a versatile precision platform, the XO 16 delivers the accuracy and handling to match your skill.
Key Features
- 16-inch Bartlein 416 stainless barrel (1:8 twist) for sub-MOA accuracy and maneuverability
- Patented recoil-reduction bolt carrier—industry-first technology that reduces felt recoil
- Dual-chamber muzzle brake tuned for suppressed and unsuppressed use
- Quick-switch gas block with mid-length gas system for suppressor flexibility
- Geissele Super Dynamic Enhanced two-stage trigger (2.3 lb / 1.2 lb breaks)
- Full ambidextrous controls: safety, charging handle, and receiver configuration
- Billet 7075-T6 receiver set with anti-tilt "Carrier Cradle" extension
- 15-inch M-LOK rail with QD mount compatibility
- Nickel-boron and IONBOND coatings throughout for durability
- Compact and lightweight: 8.2 lbs, 34.25" collapsed length
- Includes MAGPUL CTR stock, MIAD grip, and 20-round P-MAG
Specifications
| Caliber | .308 Winchester |
| Barrel Length | 16 inches |
| Barrel Material | 416 Stainless Steel, Bartlein Blank (In-House Machined) |
| Barrel Twist | 1:8 |
| Overall Length (Collapsed) | 34.25 inches |
| Unloaded Weight | 8.2 pounds |
| Receiver Material | Billet 7075-T6 Aluminum (Cerakote Tungsten Grey) |
| Receiver Type | Full Ambidextrous Upper and Lower |
| Gas System | Mid-Length, Severe-Duty Stainless Steel Gas Tube |
| Gas Block | Quick-Switch .750 Journal (Suppressed/Unsuppressed Settings) |
| Muzzle Device | NEMO Dual-Chamber Compact Brake (Heat Treated 4140, IONBOND Coated) |
| Handguard | 15-inch 6061 M-LOK Rail (1.83" Internal Diameter, Rotation-Limited QD Mounts) |
| Receiver Extension | 7075-T6 7-Position "Carrier Cradle" Anti-Tilt |
| Trigger | Geissele Super Dynamic Enhanced (SD-E) Two-Stage: 2.3 lbs / 1.2 lbs |
| Bolt | High-Pressure 9310 Steel (Heat Treated, Cryo'd, Shot Peened, MPI, Nickel-Boron Coated) |
| Bolt Carrier | Patented Recoil-Reduction Design (8620 Steel, Heat Treated, Nickel-Boron Coated) |
| Extractor | Tool Steel (Heat Treated, IONBOND Coated) |
| Buffer System | Tuned Steel-Faced with Chrome-Silicon Recoil Spring |
| Safety | Ambidextrous Selector |
| Charging Handle | Ambidextrous (7075-T6) |
| Takedown/Pivot Pins | Titanium Through-Drilled |
| Stock | MAGPUL CTR Mil-Spec Diameter Carbine Stock |
| Grip | MAGPUL MIAD |
| Magazine | MAGPUL 20-Round Gen3 P-MAG (.308 Winchester) |
| Forward Assist | Mil-Spec |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the XO 16 different from other .308 carbines?
The NEMO Arms XO features a patented recoil-reduction bolt carrier that meaningfully reduces felt recoil—an industry-first technology. Combined with the Geissele SD-E trigger, Bartlein-blank barrel, and full-ambi controls, it's engineered for precision shooters who want compact size without sacrificing accuracy or reliability.
Can I run this rifle suppressed?
Yes. The dual-chamber muzzle brake is tuned for both suppressed and unsuppressed use, and the quick-switch gas block allows you to select between suppressed and unsuppressed settings. This flexibility is built in from the factory.
What's included with the rifle?
The XO Steel comes with a MAGPUL CTR stock, MAGPUL MIAD grip, MAGPUL 20-round Gen3 P-MAG, and all necessary pins and hardware. No optics or ammunition are included.
Is this rifle ambidextrous?
Yes. The XO features full ambidextrous controls: safety selector, charging handle, and upper/lower receiver configuration. Lefty and righty shooters can operate the rifle equally well.
Firearm Shipments:
To buy rifles or shotguns, you must be 18 years old, and for handguns, actions, or receivers, the minimum age is 21. By placing an order for this firearm, you confirm that you are the legitimate transferee/buyer, meet the legal age requirements, and comply with all Federal, State, and local laws and regulations necessary to purchase this firearm.
We only ship firearms to valid Federal Firearms License (FFL) holders. At checkout we provide a FFL locator for your convenience.
We will need a copy of the FFL’s license to facilitate the process, kindly request your dealer to email us a copy of their FFL, as we cannot dispatch the firearm until we receive this document. It is imperative for the buyer to choose their FFL dealer, ensure they are willing to facilitate the transfer, and have them email their FFL copy to BOSQUE Outdoors. To avoid any confusion, the customer's name or order number must be mentioned in the email containing the FFL.
Email: [email protected]
- Prior to placing an order, it is the buyer's responsibility to understand and adhere to their state's firearm regulations.
- The buyer should verify with their receiving dealer that the chosen firearm is legally permissible in their state.
- The buyer is accountable for any transfer fees or background check charges imposed by the receiving dealer. If the designated dealer declines to accept the firearm delivery, the buyer assumes responsibility for shipping costs to retrieve the firearm and resend it to an accommodating dealer.
- Handguns will be shipped using air transportation, while long guns can be shipped using ground methods. If your order includes a mix of firearm and non-firearm items, BOSQUE Outdoors will send the firearm(s) to your selected FFL dealer and the remaining non-firearm items to your billing address.
- Firearms cannot be returned to BOSQUE Outdoors; please contact the manufacturer for warranty claims.
- Firearms refused by the FFL Dealer or which cannot be transferred due to a failed background check are subject to a $75 restocking fee plus 10% of the purchase price.

